Studio note — hand-painted linen placemats made in small runs.
These placemats began as a small studio experiment — a way to bring drawing directly onto the table. Now, I’ve come back to them and extended the colour variations.
At some point in the day — whether it’s breakfast, a quiet lunch, or a gathering with friends — we all find ourselves at the table. I’ve always thought the table deserves a little attention. It’s where conversation begins, where stories unfold, and where everyday moments quietly become memories.
Textiles have always played a quiet but important role in this ritual. For centuries, women have dressed tables with cloth — woven, embroidered, painted, and cared for — creating spaces for people to gather. I like to think these placemats continue that small tradition in a contemporary way: simple cloth, marked by hand, used again and again.
This print begins with an original drawing, then I paint a version directly onto the cloth as a mono-print, using a small bottle—a process that sits somewhere between drawing and writing. The line flows as the ink moves across the plate, and no two marks are ever quite the same after it’s printed. Then I clean the plate and start all over again, one painting, one print.
Once the painting is complete, the ink is heat-set, making the design part of the cloth itself. The placemats are then sewn with a mitred corner — a slightly laborious but satisfying finish that gives the edges a clean, tailored feel. It’s a small detail, but one that allows the cloth to sit beautifully on the table.
Although each placemat begins with the same drawing, each one is painted individually. When laid out together, they create a cohesive rhythm across the table, yet if you look closely, each piece carries its own unique marks. I like the idea that every guest sits with a slightly different version of the design — a small personal detail that can become a conversation starter.
Cloth and colour
The video with this post shows the placemats painted on a dark natural linen — one of my favourite fabrics to work with. Linen has a beautiful weight and texture, and it carries the painted line in a very satisfying way.
However, the placemats can be made in a range of linen colours. Soft natural tones, warm neutrals, or deeper shades all work beautifully depending on the mood of the table.
The painted line itself can also change. The original version uses black ink, but other colours can be striking as well. A deep red line, for example, creates a bold graphic effect, while green can feel fresh and botanical. Small shifts like this can completely change the character of the piece while keeping the simplicity of the design.
Small studio runs
I usually make these in small studio runs, one set at a time. Occasionally, a piece won’t make the cut, so the final number in a series can vary, though I generally aim for a set of twelve.
While I can repeat a design as a series or make a set to order, the nature of hand-painting means each placemat will always be a little different — the same, yet never identical.
If you have a special gathering or celebration coming up, I’m also happy to create a custom set. A hand-painted table setting can make a rather lovely surprise for a milestone birthday, a family gathering, or a memorable dinner with friends.
Sometimes it’s the smallest details — a hand-painted line, a carefully finished corner, a simple piece of cloth — that quietly transform the table into something more considered.
Because each placemat is painted individually, no two sets are ever completely identical — something I’ve come to see as part of their charm.
